Walking Strategy Document (PDF; 3.7 MB) - Mayo Walks

according to the predominant theme or feature of the walk. For example, a walk might bedescribed as a Heritage; Nature; Mountain; Lake, Coastal, or Island walk.A level of difficulty rating will also be assigned to each walk. This role is carried out nationallyby the Irish Sports Council which is charged with the annual inspection of Ireland’s NationalWaymarked Ways. In order that newly developed walks in County Mayo be accepted into thenational network of Irish Waymarked Ways, they will have to satisfy criteria set down by ISCand undergo inspection by Irish Sports Council accredited inspectors. Subject to favourableoutcomes of such inspections, our trails will become part of the national network and willenjoy the benefits of annual inspections. They will also be graded based on their level ofdifficulty by the Irish Sports Council. It will take time for each developed trail in the countyto be accepted into the national network and, in the interim, trails will be graded for difficultywith guidance from local expertise. The Walking Partnership will set objectives ands targets forthe acceptance of trails nationally and these will be monitored by the Walking Officer.Finally, walks will be graded in terms of their accessibility for different users. Potential walkersmust be made aware if walks are unsuitable for use by families or wheelchair users, etc. Thisinformation will be included in guidebooks, promotional brochures and leaflets as well as onrelevant websites.Standardised Trail FurnitureStandardised mapboards, waymarkers, directional arrows, gates, stiles footbridges andother trail furniture will be provided on all walking routes in the county. A standardised anduniform set of trail furniture will be agreed by the Walking Partnership and promoted by theWalking Officer. This will portray an integrated and professionally developed walking product.In agreeing standards, due recognition will be given to national standards and existing trailfurniture in the County.Training & EducationThe training of walking guides is regarded as important to the development and continuedgrowth of walking in the county. Mayo County Development Board recognises, and is gratefulfor, the ongoing work of the Galway−Mayo Institute of Technology and Mayo VEC in thisregard. Galway−Mayo Institute of Technology offers an outdoor education course whichqualifies many students in Castlebar to Mountaineering Council of Ireland standards to leadgroups in hill and mountain walking. Mayo VEC offers the Fáilte Ireland approved Marine andCountryside Management Certificate.The challenge is to ensure that all qualified guides, who are interested in doing so, are activelyengaged in guiding walks. A programme of dialogue between GMIT, VEC and the WalkingPartnership Working Group will be initiated as part of this strategy.Further to the training of walking guides for tourists, it is essential that local volunteers receivetraining and education to become qualified as walking leaders within the community. MayoSports Partnership has been active in this regard, particularly so through the “Mayo in Motion”initiative they ran last year. The participation of locals is essential to ensure a sustainableand year-round trail usage. The Mayo CDB Walking Partnership is committed to the ongoingtraining and education of both guides for tourists and walking leaders within the localcommunity. The walking partnership through the walking officer will agree targets with thetraining agencies in relation to training.Mayo Count y Walking Strategy & Strategic Ac tion Planp15